Wet chemistry labs require durable equipment like beakers, pipettes, pH meters, and epoxy countertops. This guide covers every essential tool, setup tip, and safety consideration, plus how to choose lab-specific surfaces, drying racks, and automation tools that improve precision and longevity.
Outfitting a wet chemistry lab requires more than basic glassware, it demands precision tools, chemical-resistant surfaces, and a layout engineered for safety and efficiency. Whether you're building a new lab or upgrading an outdated one, knowing which equipment to choose, and why, makes all the difference.
What is a Wet Chemistry Lab?
A wet chemistry lab is a workspace specifically designed for experiments involving liquids, solutions, acids, bases, solvents, and everything in between. Unlike dry labs that focus on computation or electronics, wet labs prioritize chemical reactions, titrations, pH testing, and material breakdowns that require durable, chemical-resistant environments.
These labs are foundational to fields like pharmaceuticals, environmental testing, food science, and education. They’re where glassware meets gas burners, and where accuracy meets containment. In short, if your research involves fluids, you’re in wet lab territory.
When clients ask whether wet labs are more expensive than dry ones, our answer is nuanced. Yes, the initial infrastructure, epoxy sinks, fume hoods, and anti-vibration tables are a bigger investment. But the real ROI is in durability and safety.
Our epoxy work surfaces and custom sink installations help labs avoid costly replacements and downtime. In many cases, that long-term reliability offsets the higher upfront spend.
If you’re comparing setups, we also suggest browsing our free countertop sample options to feel the difference between phenolic, epoxy, stainless steel, and Trespa in your own hands.
Core Infrastructure: Lab Surfaces, Tables & Layout
Before you think about pipettes or pH meters, you need to get the foundation right. The work surfaces, tables, and drying stations you choose set the tone for everything that follows. They influence safety, workflow efficiency, and even your lab's ability to scale.
Lab Work Surfaces
Your lab benches aren't just tables, they're chemical battlegrounds. That’s why we build our epoxy resin, phenolic resin, stainless steel, and Trespa countertops with specific resistance profiles. Epoxy resists high heat and harsh solvents. Phenolic delivers water and wear resistance with a polished finish. Trespa offers antimicrobial properties for sterile environments. Stainless steel, ideal for wet zones around sinks, comes in seamless spans up to 16 feet for large installations.
Some clients worry about long-term durability. Can epoxy resin crack under daily acid use? Not if it’s engineered properly. Our resin tops are tested for high-volume lab environments, and we even offer repair kits to keep your surfaces safe and sealed over time.
Looking to future-proof your space? Our custom lab countertops can be tailored to your specs, chemical exposure levels, and even LEED certification goals.
Balance Tables
Precision instruments need more than flat space; they need stability. Our anti-vibration balance tables are engineered to absorb disturbances from foot traffic, nearby machinery, or even HVAC vibrations.
It’s a common mistake: investing in a high-end analytical balance, then placing it on a standard bench. We’ve seen how that leads to calibration errors, repeat tests, and wasted reagents. Resin-topped balance tables protect both your data and your gear.
Whether you’re weighing micrograms or managing daily calibrations, this is one upgrade that pays for itself in consistency.
Pegboards and Drying Racks
No matter how careful your lab techs are, glassware breakage happens. But the right pegboard can reduce that dramatically. We offer acrylic, epoxy resin, phenolic, and stainless steel pegboards, each suited for different environments.
Need something that holds up to repeated acid rinses or autoclaving? Epoxy and phenolic pegs are your best bet.
Our clients often ask, What’s the best peg material for frequent autoclaving?, and the answer is polypropylene pegs paired with epoxy boards. We include those for free with every purchase, along with one year of free replacements.
Unlike other suppliers, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all pegboards. That’s why we offer custom layouts, colors, and even drip tray add-ons for safer drying and better lab hygiene. You can explore the options in our pegboard collection.
Must Have Wet Chemistry Lab Equipment (with Purpose)
Once your surfaces are squared away, it’s time to stock the essentials. Wet chemistry depends on hands-on reactions, measured, mixed, and observed, so your equipment must be durable, precise, and easy to clean. Here's what every serious lab needs, and why it matters.
Glassware Essentials
Glassware is the heart of every wet lab. From beakers and Erlenmeyer flasks to volumetric flasks and test tubes, these vessels carry out everything from heating and mixing to titrating and sample storage.
Burettes are indispensable for accurate titrations, while pipettes ensure repeatable measurements. Many still ask whether manual pipettes are better than automatic ones. While auto pipettes are faster, manual glass pipettes offer superior chemical compatibility and precision for critical tests.
For solvent evaporation, evaporation dishes, and boiling chips reduce splashing and promote controlled heating, ideal for labs working with volatile chemicals.
Need guidance on organizing glassware safely? Our pegboards are designed to minimize breakage and optimize airflow for faster drying.
Support Tools
Small tools make a big difference. Funnels, stir rods, spatulas, and scoops keep materials clean and processes efficient. These tools help transfer solids and liquids without contamination or waste.
Drying ovens are another staple, essential for removing residual moisture from glassware and samples. We recommend including at least one in every mid- to high-volume lab setup.
Measurement Devices
Measurement is where science meets certainty. Digital pH meters have become the gold standard for titration accuracy and solution monitoring. Some labs still use litmus paper, but for anyone dealing with fine pH shifts, digital is non-negotiable.
Wondering if the upgrade is worth it? If you're still asking “Are digital pH meters worth the price?”, consider this: one bad reading can compromise an entire run. A calibrated meter pays for itself in saved reagents and repeat testing.
Other essentials include manometers (for gas pressure monitoring), conductivity meters, and thermometers for temperature-sensitive reactions.
We often advise pairing these with stable bench space or our resin-topped balance tables to ensure measurement tools stay undisturbed.
Safety Equipment
Protecting people is non-negotiable. Every wet chemistry lab should have safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, lab aprons, and spill trays at every workstation.
Don’t forget about storage. Our safety cabinets are FM-approved and comply with OSHA, SEFA, and NFPA standards, offering peace of mind with flammable or corrosive storage.
A common concern: “Are drying racks and epoxy surfaces flame retardant or just resistant?” While our epoxy and phenolic products are chemically resistant and slow-burning, no material is entirely flameproof. Always pair with flame-safe lab practices and ventilation systems.
For sink areas, drop-in epoxy sinks, like the ones we manufacture, integrate seamlessly into worktops and prevent under-surface damage. These are especially effective when retrofitting into older laminate surfaces, a common customer question.
Analytical & Automation Tools
Modern wet chemistry labs are as much about speed and consistency as they are about glassware and reagents. Analytical instruments and automation tools simplify multi-step processes, reduce human error, and increase throughput, especially in high-volume or high-stakes environments.
Spectrophotometers, Colorimeters, and Titrators
These instruments allow labs to move from visual observation to quantifiable results. Spectrophotometers measure absorbance to determine concentration levels, while colorimeters are commonly used in water testing and environmental labs. Both are foundational tools in QA/QC processes across industries.
Automated titrators are now replacing manual burettes in many labs. They minimize variability, improve accuracy, and save time. If your lab performs titrations daily, upgrading to an automated system is a logical step, especially when paired with chemical-resistant countertops to contain accidental spills.
Need a recommendation based on your lab type? Our quoting process factors in workflow, reagent compatibility, and testing frequency to suggest the right level of automation. You can request a quote here, and we'll match your needs with the best-fit solution.
Discrete Analyzers vs. Flow Injection Systems
When it comes to wet chemistry automation, choosing the right analyzer is crucial. Discrete analyzers are ideal for labs running multiple tests on one sample; they minimize reagent waste and reduce cross-contamination. Flow injection systems are better for high-volume tests using fewer variables but come with higher maintenance and reagent usage.
Labs focused on nutrient or water testing often ask which to choose. Our advice? If you're building for flexibility and sample variety, discrete wins every time.
Autoclaves and Ovens
Autoclaves aren’t just for biology labs. In wet chemistry environments, they’re critical for sterilizing glassware and removing residue that could compromise reactions.
Drying ovens do more than remove moisture; they stabilize samples before testing and prevent errors due to water retention.
Specialized Instruments for Advanced Wet Labs
As your testing sophistication increases, so should your toolkit. Separatory funnels are key for solvent extractions, allowing two immiscible liquids to be separated cleanly. Distillation kits help labs purify and isolate compounds based on boiling points.
Labs often ask, “Do I need distillation gear for general chemistry?” If you're doing any kind of compound purification, the answer is yes. Even small-scale setups can benefit from a basic kit.
When space is tight, consider integrating these with modular storage and custom drawer systems. We can help design a station that fits your workflow and keeps everything in reach.
Maintenance & Customization Tools
Even the most advanced lab setup needs ongoing maintenance. But when your tools and surfaces are built to last and designed for easy repair, you spend less time troubleshooting and more time testing. The key is choosing equipment that can grow and adapt with your needs.
Epoxy Repair Kits and Adhesives
No lab surface lasts forever. Spills happen. Instruments get dropped. But with our epoxy adhesive and repair kits, you can patch and reinforce your worktops without replacing the entire counter. Each kit includes bonding agents, color-matched resin, and edge paint to preserve both function and aesthetics.
It’s common for lab managers to ask, “How do you fix cracked resin countertops?”, especially in high-use academic settings. Our repair kits are engineered for DIY application, with support from our team if you need help matching finishes or sealing seams.
For newer builds, these kits are also useful during the final stages of installation to seal vulnerable corners or retrofits.
Customization Without Compromise
Every lab is different. That’s why we offer custom sizing, pegboard layouts, and modular drawer systems to support specific workflows. Whether you need deeper sinks, longer counters, or uniquely spaced pegs for wide-neck glassware, we build to fit, not force your lab to adjust.
Can I retrofit an epoxy sink into an existing laminate countertop
Yes, if it’s measured and installed correctly. Our team helps customers navigate this process regularly, ensuring proper fit and seal integrity.
Customization also means a smarter organization. We’ve worked with clients who requested multi-tiered pegboards for better airflow, angled drying racks for large beakers, and chemical storage drawers that match their inventory system.
These small changes make big differences in daily operations, reducing mess, minimizing breakage, and speeding up turnaround between experiments.
Pro Tips: Building a Cost-Efficient, Future-Proof Lab
Setting up a wet chemistry lab is an investment, but it doesn’t have to blow your budget. With the right equipment strategy and a few forward-thinking decisions, you can reduce long-term costs, prevent downtime, and make your lab adaptable for future needs.
Budget Smart, Not Cheap
We’ve worked with schools, universities, and private labs facing tight budgets. The key isn’t to buy less, it’s to buy smarter. Focus your investment on chemical-resistant surfaces, high-traffic accessories, and anti-vibration equipment. Skimping on core infrastructure often leads to breakage, rework, and faster replacements.
Our clients often prioritize epoxy countertops for durability, then layer in customizations like pegboard layouts or sink configurations based on workflow needs. We also encourage sampling, free countertop samples help you decide what fits your lab before making a full commitment.
Simplify Shipping & Installation
One worry we hear frequently is around delivery: “Will my pegboard or countertop arrive damaged?” We ship large items like epoxy and phenolic pegboards via LTL freight, carefully packaged to prevent breakage. Before you finalize an order, we provide a detailed shipping quote so there are no surprises.
When installation starts, we offer guidance for mounting, sealing, and supporting every custom component. From undermount sinks to epoxy repair kits, our goal is to make sure your setup is secure and easy to maintain.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
-
Ordering countertops before confirming plumbing/sink dimensions.
-
Forgetting to factor in airflow when placing drying racks.
-
Installing sensitive balances on unstable tables.
-
Buying generic pegboards that don’t fit your glassware.
We’ve solved all of these problems, often after a client tried a DIY approach or bought from a big-box supplier that didn’t understand lab-specific needs. That’s why our quoting process asks the right questions upfront. It’s not about upselling, it’s about getting it right the first time.
Choosing a Vendor: What to Look For
Lab equipment isn't something you can afford to gamble on. Whether you're sourcing countertops, drying racks, or safety cabinets, your vendor needs to understand the realities of wet lab work, chemical resistance, durability, workflow compatibility, and compliance. Not all suppliers are built for this.
Transparent Pricing and Clear Communication
One of the biggest frustrations we hear from new clients is: “Why is it so hard to get a clear quote?” That’s why we’ve streamlined our request a quote process, you can send sketches, dimensions, or even a rough idea, and we’ll handle the rest. Our goal is to give you answers fast, not send you down a week-long email chain.
Customization Options That Help
Some vendors offer "custom options" that are just pre-made variations. We design real customizations: peg spacing, surface lengths, sink depths, and even stainless countertops up to 16 feet long without a seam.
That matters when you're planning around existing utilities or trying to maximize limited space. We don’t force your lab to adapt to our parts; we build solutions to fit your lab exactly.
Long-Term Support, Not One-Time Sales
What happens when a peg breaks or a countertop gets nicked during a delivery? If your vendor disappears, you're stuck. That’s why we offer free peg replacements for a year and back every product with real support from people who know the industry.
We’ve heard too many stories of labs getting stuck with incompatible parts, damaged gear, or vendors who ghost after shipping. That doesn’t happen here, because our clients stay with us for the long haul.
Build Smarter, Not Just Bigger
Outfitting a wet chemistry lab is more than a shopping list; it’s a strategy. Every piece of equipment, from your drying racks to your epoxy countertops, plays a role in your lab’s performance, safety, and longevity. The best setups aren’t built with generic tools; they’re built with purpose.
Whether you're managing a university facility, setting up a private testing lab, or designing a teaching space for students, the smartest move you can make is investing in what lasts. Our clients consistently tell us the same thing: once the foundation is strong, pegboards that don’t crack, surfaces that resist everything you throw at them, and layouts that just make sense, the rest of the workflow follows naturally.
We’re here to help you get there. If you're unsure what materials or configurations are right for your space, start by requesting a free sample or a custom quote. You’ll get practical, honest answers, not a sales pitch.
Because building smarter isn’t about spending more. It’s about making decisions today that hold up to everything tomorrow throws at your lab.
FAQs Answered by the Lab Community
Not every question about wet chemistry lab equipment gets answered in a catalog. Many of the most useful insights come from daily lab experiences, trial and error, and those “why didn’t someone tell me this earlier?” moments. Here are a few of the most common questions we hear, and straight answers based on what’s worked for our clients.
Which pegboard layouts are most efficient?
It depends on your glassware, but here’s a good rule of thumb: stagger pegs to accommodate longer tubes and narrow-neck flasks. If you’re working with oversized beakers or custom containers, spacing them wider with alternating peg lengths avoids crowding and improves drying speed. We offer custom pegboard options to match your layout needs.
Is it possible to retrofit epoxy sinks into laminate tops?
Yes, carefully. Epoxy sinks can be mounted into a laminate with proper support and sealing. We recommend undermount installations to protect the seam from chemical intrusion. If you’re not sure how to size or install it, our quoting team can help guide the process and prevent costly mistakes.
How do you get LEED credits using lab equipment?
Sustainable lab design starts with the materials. Our epoxy resin work surfaces include recycled content and low-VOC adhesives, which may contribute toward LEED credits under Materials & Resources. We can also provide documentation for any custom order if you're working toward a green certification goal.
Can drying racks be customized for large glassware?
Absolutely. Whether it’s large Buchner funnels, graduated cylinders, or wide-mouth flasks, we can size peg lengths and angles to accommodate. We’ve even helped design dual-row racks and angled drip trays to protect expensive glassware and speed up drying.
What’s the safest material for labs working with corrosives?
Epoxy resin remains the gold standard for acid-heavy environments, followed closely by phenolic resin. Both are chemically resistant and can withstand routine exposure to strong bases, acids, and solvents. For sink areas and splash zones, we often recommend epoxy with a lip-integrated backsplash for extra containment.